In a seminar organized on Stainless Steel for Sustainable Transit Building Solutions, Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), which is the apex body of the stainless steel industry in India, advocated the adoption of global infrastructural standards by using stainless steel for transit hubs. ISSDA highlighted that stainless steel usage has been the benchmark in several sustainable infrastructural projects worldwide and persuaded all stakeholders to take a cue from these international transit hubs.

As the front runner in sensitizing stakeholders to the benefits of using sustainable stainless steel-based solutions across sectors, ISSDA brought stakeholders together through this seminar and discussed various aspects of stainless steel applications for long-lasting and maintenance-free public infrastructure.Commenting on the occasion, President, ISSDA, Mr KK Pahuja said, “Its exceptional characteristics make stainless steel the best fit for constructing transit hubs in India. Its durability, minimal maintenance and sustainability make it stand out among other materials in such areas of high footfalls. With the booming pace of infrastructural development, incorporation of stainless steel is a must for efficient, safe and durable transit infrastructure. A shift from old structural buildings to reliable and sustainable stainless steel infrastructure is the need of the hour.

During the seminar, sessions on stainless steel usage for modern infrastructure, expanding transit building systems, architecture, railway stations, and airport construction were organized.Managing Director & CEO, Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation, Mr SK Lohia, who was the chief guest, emphasized the massive potential for stainless steel usage as he said, “The Indian Railways comprises a total of 8613 stations. Out of these, more than 1000 stations have the potential to be redeveloped using stainless steel. Within the next 15-20 years and with a huge investment of nearly Rs 4 lakh crore, Indian Railways can be one of the biggest consumers of stainless steel, if the industry comes up with sustainable solutions.”

Elaborating the benefits of stainless steel in architectural projects,ArBimal Kachroo of Holistics Urban Innovations Pvt. Ltd., presented his futuristic perspective as he said, “90% of Indian buildings can be made in stainless steel,majorly because stainless steel is completely recyclable and has anti-microbial properties. Moreover, India is a four-season country with its own dynamics, enabling brown-field and green-field expansion at the same place. Hence, the buildings have to be energy-, water-, and material-efficient apart from being sustainable at the same time.”

ISSDA presented how stainless steel is the most cost-effective material based on lifecycle cost analysis. Mr Nagarajan P from Jindal Stainless Limited also presented his experience on stainless steel usage for structural applications in infrastructural projects.

Internationally,the practice of stainless steel usage has changed the speed of infrastructure modernisation. Transit infrastructure, ranging from railway stations, subway stations, and airports to ticket counters, elevators, and barriers, has extensive potential for using stainless steel. Adoption of this wonder metal has recently started in airports,includingstainless steel roofing solutions providing light, airy structures and less obstructuted views.

The growth of stainless steel in India is expected to remain robust even
in the future, considering its immense potential in the Indian economy. The per
capita consumption of stainless steel in India is ~2 kg, compared to the world
average of ~6 kg. As a metal, it outshines all its alternatives given its high
strength-to-weight ratio, thermal fatigue endurance, superior crash resistance,
lower life-cycle cost, nearly 100% recyclability, and exceptional aesthetics.
Currently, ABC (Architecture, Building, and Construction)is the fastest growing
segment in India with a stainless steel consumption of around 20% out of the
total demand in India.